THE PROGRAM

The Sisterhood Worldwide Program initiates visits to orphanages in the United States, Middle East, Africa and Mediterranean coasts to fund learning programs and mentor girls who lack role models, self confidence and career support. This population is especially in need of the education, empowerment and the enlightenment that all of the ALO Foundation programs deliver.

Adoption is rare in our target regions. Girls' futures are largely dependant on pre-arranged marriages done through the administrations at orphanages. That is why this program focuses on building self-esteem through:

• English literacy

• General education

• Role modeling

• Information technology courses

• Job training

• Entrepreneurial support

• Scholarships

• Housing development

ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT (January 12, 2010)…The ALO Cultural Foundation returned to Egypt at the conclusion of 2009 for another visit to the Ali Bin Abi Taleb orphanage in Alexandria, bringing computers, hope and bright smiles all around.

The bond between the 25 residents and ALO continued to grow as the girls’ spirit soared, inspired by the role models the Foundation presented. “Because of ALO, I am more confident that I can make my own decisions now,” said Douaa, who has lived at the orphanage since age 3. “I finally feel that my needs are beginning to be understood.”

There was challenge, however, in getting the donated computers accepted into the country. “But we persevered,” says ALO Foundation founder Wafa Kanan who received last minute word that the Ministry of Social Affairs was ready to meet with her. Kanan left the U.S. on December 29, met with the Ministry and celebrated the beginning of the New Year with the children at the orphanage.

During a Foundation sponsored trip in 2008, the orphanage had requested computers and additional training for staff and residents. Procuring donated computers in the U.S. was fairly easy.

Getting them accepted by Egyptian authorities was far more complex.

“There was considerable scrutiny and many rules and regulations,” says Kanan, who as always set an example of spirited independence for the girls. “There were concerns the machines could be threats to national security. Each computer was checked for hidden political messages and secret codes.

The only secret code we smuggled in with the machines was this:

“Educate. Empower. Enlighten.”

Kanan adds that the Foundation has labored for two years to prove that it is trustworthy to deliver support to the orphanage and other Egyptian organizations. The Ali Bin Abi Taleb orphanage is a ten minute drive from the Alexandria Library, and is located in the humble village of Samuha. The orphanage accepts children from three to seventeen years of age, and 90% of residents are girls. There are more than 44 other orphanages in Alexandria that are in need of program development and sponsorship.

“It’s common for authorities to fear Western influence despite our helping, non-threatening hand,” says Kanan. “I met with the Ministry for nearly four hours to gain authority to proceed with our programs. Now, they are looking for us to spearhead Ali Bin Abi Taleb as a pilot program with eventual implementation throughout Alexandria and then Egypt.”

Our goal is to raise $2 million within five years to support Alexandria’s 44 orphanages and more than 20 in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and other global communities.

Additional funding to operate ongoing programs such as the Methal Program which includes:

• Language and skills development

• Leadership programs

• Physiological assessment and self esteem building

• Social Activities

• Scholarships

Kanan said she asked the girls where they would like to celebrate New Year. “McDonald’s” was the universal response, so the group of 25 celebrated at the restaurant. Later, the computers, other gifts and money were presented.

Including the cost of air fare, a total of $10,000 was donated to the orphanage. “We spent all night discussing the girls’ resolutions for the future,” says Kanan. “Then we held hands and made a strong commitment for a brilliant 2010.

The girls were optimistic about their goals for independence and success in their careers.”

While most people have one mother and father, the girls can have scores of them as they lead what is best described as a village life.

“What they truly desire is just one set of parents like most other people,” says Kanan. “They desperately want to be normal and even ordinary in that regard. Also, there’s this constant struggle with who is controlling their destiny, as marriage is the traditional and expected next step for them. They are more than ready to control their own destiny.”

In the next several months, ALO Foundation will coordinate future assistance with the Ministry, the orphanage and other officials. This evolving relationship is also made possible through the generous leadership of the Egyptian Ambassador, Mr. Abderahman Salaheldin. Kanan met with the Ambassador who promised to break down barriers and open doors for ALO in Egypt.

The ALO Cultural Foundation is grateful for the varied support for its Sisterhood program – especially the individuals who secured the donated computers and other gifts for this trip.

SYRIA (December 11, 2009) ... Foundation members traveled to Syria in early October, 2009, visiting orphanages and children’s villages, offering moral and material support. Foundation founder Wafa Kanan and board member Michael Lloyd visited the SOS Children’s Village outpost in Qodsaya, a suburb of Damascus.

“The village was populated by orphans, both boys and girls in even numbers,” says Michael. “We were amazed at the number of children whose parents have died, or who were given to family members who refused to support them. They were all smart kids who ranked high in schooling, yet

they very much need to build greater self esteem, given their backgrounds.”

The children lack more advanced educational materials and are not up to speed with what technology has to offer. The Foundation’s initial goal is

to support several organizations in Egypt with computers and skills development apporach. “From there, the kids can start accessing greater and more varied avenues of learning,” says Lloyd Not to mention the larger, outside world that all of us take for granted just by surfing the web each

day.”

ALO Foundation board member Harutune Hamassian visited the Armenian Orphanage of Aleppo during the same trip. Founded in 1919, the orphanage is located in the Al-Jdeida quarter in the old part of Aleppo carrying a mission was provide a warm shelter for children who had lost their parents after the Armenian genocide. About 30 children live in the shelter, ranging in age from 4 to 24.

Harutune learned of the children’s needs, including computers, ovens, air conditioners, freezers, winter blankets and various clothes. The ALO

Foundation has been working on fulfilling the list, and looks forward to forwarding the materials as soon as possible.